Touring Andina Brewing

Brothers, Andrés and Nicolás Amaya are co-owners along with their wives of this recently opened brewery in the East Village neighborhood.

Andrew Powers is their head brewer who collaborates with Nicolás on recipes that include fruit only found in South America and they are bringing in different fruits from Columbia every few weeks to make a special beer. One thing that separates them from all the other breweries here is that they use Chilean malts.

Andres toured me around the brewery as well as the tasting room where customers were enjoying beer as well as their Columbian focussed eats.

The food is 100% organic and ocean friendly. You will be treated to a perfect fusion of eight kinds of ceviche (seafood, vegetables and fruit “cooked” on citrus juice instead of heat), based on traditional recipes from Mexico, Peru and Colombia and created by Andrés.

Inside their mercato (shop) you will find the usual growlers, shirts, toques and hats, they will also offer a beautiful sombrero-style hat, bracelets and a tote bag. The hats and bracelets are made from organic material and hand crafted specifically for Andina.

I tasted all 6 beers, loved the Passionfruit Black IPA as well as the Blonde IPA and the Milk Stout! As well had a chance to try several of their food offerings.

House Ceviche

House Ceviche with cooked shrimp, mango, avocado, red pepper, onions, cilantro, Thai Chilli peppers garnished with plantain chips

Shrimp ceviche

Shrimp ceviche with cooked shrimp and a garlic water garnished with plantain chips

Peruvian ceviche

Peruvian ceviche made with Tilapia garnished with plantain chips

Pachos

PACHOS  — (their version of nachos) Plantain Chifles covered with Mozza/Cheddar cheese, tomatoes, green onions, black olives with Hogao Sauce* on the side.

Arepas de Queso

Arepas de Queso – Cheese Arepas (Colombia)

Two tasty (naturally gluten-free) patties made with white corn flour and cheese – served with more cheese on top and Hogao Sauce* on the side

Platanitos y Yuquitas

Platanitos y Yuquitas – Plantain and Cassava Chifles

Plantain and Cassava Chifles served with Hogao Sauce*

(*) Hogao Sauce: their take on this traditional Colombian sauce is a savory mix of tomatoes, spring onions, cilantro, tomato paste, spices and sugar, simmered to perfection until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

The have Latin video nights every Thursday 7-9pm which is a wonderful chance to visit the brewery tasting room, and you can listen to their own Andina radio to an ongoing playlist of latin music online from their website.

Andina Brewing is located 1507 Powell Street in Vancouver, on twitter @AndinaBrewingCo

By: Richard Wolak

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